Cyprus is an island country located in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It has a population of around 1 million people and has been divided since 1974 between the Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish Cypriot north. Cyprus has a long history dating back thousands of years and was influenced by various empires and civilizations. It joined the European Union in 2004 but only the southern Greek Cypriot area is recognized internationally. Tourism is an important part of the economy.

1. Discovering Cyprus

2. Cyprus
Cyprus (Κύπρος in Greek, Kıbrıs in Turkish) is
the third largest island in the Mediterranean
Sea (after Sicily and Sardinia). It is located 70
km to the south of the Anatolian peninsula.
Since 1 May 2004 it is a Member State of the
European Union.
Main source of data: Wikipedia. L’Enciclopedia Libera: https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cipro.

3. Cyprus is divided into two areas by the so-
called Green Line, which is the demilitarized
zone established by the UN in 1974, after the
military intervention by the Turkish army on
the island:
- The area under the effective control of the
Republic of Cyprus, which comprises about
59 % of the island;
- The Turkish-Cypriot area in the north (self-
called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus),
which covers about 36 % of the island and
it is recognized only by Turkey.

4. Etymology
The etymology of the word Kypros is unknown. Suggestions include:
• the Greek name of cypress tree (κυπάρισσος);
• the Greek name of the henna plant (κύπρος);
• the Sumerian word indicating either copper (Zubar) or bronze (Kubar). This refers to the large
copper deposits present in the island.
The island gave its name to the Latin word for copper through the phrase aes Cyprium, “metal of
Cyprus”, which was later shortened to Cuprum.
According to Greek mythology, the coast of Paphos was one of the birthplaces of Aphrodite, who was
also known as Kýpria for this reason.

5. Morphology and climate
The island has three mountain ranges: Kyrenia and
Pentadaktylos in the North, Troodos in the South-West.
The Mount Olympus is the highest peak of the island
(1,953 m).
The fertile central plain of Messaria is between the two
chains of mountains and it is rich in woods.
The only rivers with regular flow, Yialias and Peidos, are
both approximately 100 km long.
Cyprus has a Mediterranean-subtropical climate with very
mild winters (on the coast) and warm to hot summers.
During winter, snow falls only on the Troodos Mountains
in the central part of island. Rain occurs mainly in winter,
with summer being generally dry. Often hot winds blow
on Cyprus from the African deserts.

6. History of Cyprus
Prehistory
The earliest confirmed site of human activity on Cyprus is Aetokremnos, situated on the south coast,
where hunter-gatherers were active on the island from around 10,000 BC.
In the first half of the seventh millennium BC, in Cyprus there was already a flourishing Neolithic
culture in the village of Khirokitia.
The penetration of cultural elements from Minor Asia can be traced back to the beginning of the
Bronze Age (2300-2000 BC).
In the period 2000-1600 BC, significant deposits of copper were discovered on the island, which
became an important Mediterranean commercial area. The renewed wealth brought to a flourishing
artistic and craft production.

7. Ancient History and Middle Age
In the period 1600-1050 BC the island became part of the Hittite Empire. There was a gradual wave of
Mycenaean people, who brought a new culture and more advanced technologies. This caused a dramatic
improvement of the Cypriot culture, as shown by the artistic evolution and the realization of huge
fortresses, palaces and sacred places.
The Hittite domination lasted up to the invasion of the Sea Peoples (late XIII-early XII century BC). The
Hittite Empire, the Mycenaean civilization, and other ancient cultures disappeared. After the subsequent
trade crisis in the Mediterranean, the arrival of a large migratory wave (probably of Achaean origin) led to
a big change within the culture, the language and the religion which became similar to the Greek ones.
With the beginning of the Iron Age (I millennium BC), Cyprus opened again to businesses with the Middle
East. From the eighth century BC the Phoenician colonies were founded on the southern coast of Cyprus.
The island was conquered by Alexander the Great in 334 BC. Following his death and the subsequent
division of his empire among his successors, Cyprus became part of the Hellenistic kingdom of Ptolemaic
Egypt. In 58 BC Cyprus was acquired by the Roman Empire.
When the Roman Empire was divided in two parts in 395 by Theodosius, the island became part of the
East Roman Empire and it remained so until the Crusades.
In 1191, during the Third Crusade, Richard I of England conquered the island and he used it as a supply
base that was relatively safe from the Saracens.
A year later the island was sold to the Knights Templar, who, following a bloody revolt, in turn sold it to
Guy de Lusignan.

8. Modern Era
Following the death of the last Lusignan king in 1473, the Republic of Venice took control of the island.
The Venetians fortified Nicosia, using it as an important commercial hub. During the Venetian control
there were two communities, one Greek and the other Levantine.
Following the Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878) and the Congress of Berlin, Cyprus was given to the British
Empire which took over its administration in 1878. In exchange, Britain guaranteed that they would use
the island to protect the Ottoman Empire against possible Russian aggression.
The island served as a military base for its colonial conquests. Following the outbreak of the First World
War, on Nov. 5 1914 the British Empire formally annexed Cyprus, Egypt and Sudan.
It became independent in 1960 with the Zurich agreement, but it was immediately affected by ethnic
tensions. In 1974 the Greek militaries carried out a “coup d’état” which gave the opportunity to Turkey
to intervene militarily. The Turkish army invaded the island and they occupied a far larger area than that
one where the Turkish minority lived .
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was created with no international recognition (except from
Turkey).
Due to a referendum in April 2004, only the Greek part of the island joined the European Union.

9. Europe or Asia?
Whether Cyprus should be considered as part of
Europe or part of Asia is a controversial issue.
From the point of view of cultural history, Cyprus can
be seen as an European state.
However, from the geographical point of view it
belongs to Asia (because of geographical proximity; in
fact, Turkey is very close to the island and it is
universally considered Asia).
In conclusion, Cyprus may be considered either
Europe or Asia, depending on the criteria adopted.

10. Main cities
The capital city of the Republic of Cyprus is
Nicosia, which is also the most important
city.
Nicosia is located in the plain of Mesoira
and, being situated on the border between
the two national ethnic areas, it is also
divided into two areas: the southern Greek
part and the northern Turkish part. Nicosia
is the main economic center, where the
largest companies, the national bank, some
middle size factories, as well as the national
museum and theater can be found.

11. Main cities
Other important cities are:
• Limassol, which is the second largest
city after the capital, port of the
southern coast, and famous touristic
center;
• Paphos, which is an ancient port,
located on the western cost, and has
the second biggest airport of the
island;
• Kouklia, well known for the Aphrodite
sanctuary. It is a World Heritage Site
(UNESCO);
• Larnaca, a city on the south-east
coast, where there is the main airport
of Cyprus.

12. Population
Cyprus has a total population of 970,000 inhabitants of whom 78% are Greek Cypriots, 18% are
Turkish Cypriots, and the remaining 4% belong to other ethnic groups.
The Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots share several traditions but maintain distinct identities
based on the religion and on the connections with Greece and Turkey respectively .
Before 1974, the two communities lived throughout the island. After the war in 1974, the
geographical separation of the different ethnic groups became more marked.

13. Languages and religions
Cyprus has two official languages: Greek and Turkish. Greek is mainly spoken in the South of the
island (especially the Cypriot dialect), while Turkish is spoken in the North. English is also widely used.
An Arabic dialect like Syro-Palestinian is used as well but it is spoken only by the small Maronite
community in Kormakiti.
Nowadays the majority of Greek Cypriots identify as Greek Orthodox (over 80%) while most Turkish
Cypriots are Muslims (18%). There are also some minorities: Armenian-Gregorian, Maronite
(Archeparchy of Cyprus) and Catholics (about 25,000).

14. European Union and United Nations
The Cypriot government adopted the euro in 2008 and this introduced a change
in the national economy. Euro became the new currency only in the southern part
of the island, replacing the old currency also known as lira-Cyprus pound. As for
each state member, Cyprus chose the design of the coins.
They chose to show on 1, 2 and 5 cents coins a couple of wild sheep (which were
very common in the island in the past and nowadays almost extinct). For the coins
of 10, 20 and 50 cents it was decided to show the ship of Kyrenia. Finally for the
coins of 1 euro and 2 euro the idol of Pomos was chosen, a mythological Cypriot
character linked to fertility and abundance.

15. Politics and administrative divisions
Cyprus is a presidential republic. The president
is elected by a process of universal suffrage for
a five-years term. The Parliament comprises 59
deputies, elected every five years by universal
suffrage.
Cyprus is divided into six districts: Famagusta,
Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos.

16. Armed forces
Even the armed forces − police, army and national guards − are divided between the Cypriots and the
Turkish minority. The Turkish armed forces are directly controlled and financed by Turkey, to ensure
the survival of the Turkish part in the island.
Military service is required for all men only and it is mandatory at the age of 18 years. The main
forces of state are three:
• the Greek Cypriot National Guard (GCNG);
• State Greek-Cypriot Police;
• the Greek Regiment forces in Cyprus.
The number of armed forces rises to four if we consider also the “ground units” of the Turkish army,
managed by Turkey and reaching 40,000 units.

17. Flag and national anthem
The current Cypriot flag was adopted on August 17, 1960. The flag
is white with a central copper-colored silhouette of the island,
with two olive branches below it.
It was chosen by the first President Makarios III, among several
“neutral” and “peaceful” options: the prevalence of white (which
is the symbol of peace) and the absence of colors recalling Greek
and Turkish flags determined the choice of this flag, which gives
the idea of an island free from foreign dominations.
The national anthem Cypriot Ύμνος εις την Ελευθερίαν, which
means “Ode to Freedom”, was written in 1824. It was sung for the
first time after that Cyprus obtained the independence from the
UK. The song follows the same melody as the Greek anthem, to
underline the link between the two peoples.

18. Art
Thanks to its location, Cyprus has collected cultural elements from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Phoenicia,
Greece and Rome. The history of Cyprus can be divided into several stages.
Stone tools and traces of temples trace back to the oldest, dating from 4000 BC to 3500 BC.
The next phase, from 3500 BC to 3000 BC, was characterized by the production of ceramics, and
vases painted with geometric decorations.
The discovery of mineral resources, such as copper, took place from 3000 BC to 2400 BC, but this
period is mostly remembered for the transformation of the island in a great emporium for the
Mediterranean and also for the greater complexity of the funerary construction and sacred
statuettes.
During the Bronze Age (II millennium), the island reached its greatest period of prosperity, thanks to
copper mines and the wood used to build ships, as shown by the fortress Nitovikla.
The seventh century BC marked the beginning of a period of splendor for sculpture (several clay
figurines) and architecture (wonderful forts and palaces, such as the one in Vuni).

19. Economy and Transports
The most important economical sector of Cyprus is the tourism.
Its main partners for imports/exports are Greece, UK and Israel. Cyprus is no longer considered a “tax
haven” and is indeed included in the “white list” like Italy.
Cyprus is linked to the rest of the world mainly by air. The island has several airports but the main one is
Larnaca International Airport in Paphos. The airport of Nicosia is only used as a military airport by the UN
contingent. The airport of Northern Cyprus is Ercan but it is used only by Turkish lines.
Due to its location in the center of the eastern Mediterranean sea, the maritime transports are essential
for Cyprus. Its main commercial ports are: Famagusta, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Vassiliko.

20. Tourism and archaeology
Marine and archaeological tourism have been highly developing in the
last 30 years. The paradisiacal southern costs are prototypical of the
Mediterranean Sea and its climate and the landscape of the hinterland
(despite being a bit isolated) fascinates visitors, especially during the
summer.
Cyprus has three UNESCO World Cultural Heritage protected sites:
• Choirokoitia. It was a village during the Neolithic period and is one of
the best preserved settlements of this age. The city was fortified by
massive bastions and walls and its inhabitants lived by raising sheep.

21. Tourism and archaeology
• Painted Churches in Troodos Mountains.
The site comprises 10 Byzantine buildings
(nine churches and a monastery) built
between the eleventh and sixteenth
centuries. Among the mountains some
churches and monasteries were erected,
mostly decorated with frescoes that
represent the painting evolution in the
culture of Cyprus.

22. Tourism and archaeology
• Paphos. This old port city (nowadays called
Kouklia) was well known for the temple
dedicated to Aphrodite, whose legendary
birthplace was on the island. Some massive
palaces were built in Paphos during its rich
history (which is also linked to the Roman
empire); and there several mosaics showing
historical and mythological events still remain.
.

23. Tourism and archaeology
Nicosia is the ideal place from which to begin the discovery
of Cyprus. In the city there are several very interesting
museums which preserve artifacts ranging from the
Neolithic period to the Middle Age, up to the World War II.
Exploring Nicosia you can not miss a visit to the Buyuk Han,
located in the Arab part of the city. The Buyuk Han is the
largest caravanserai of the island and, after an extensive
renovation, it is now open to the public. It was built in 1572
immediately after the city was torn from the Venetians by
the Arabs. In the centre of the open courtyard there is a
mosque with a fountain for pre-prayer ablutions.

24. Tourism and archaeology
The Selimiye Mosque is the
symbol of Nicosia. It merges
Gothic French and Arabic styles.
The Selimiye Mosque was
founded in 1209 and, after its
completion in 1326, it was
converted into a mosque after
the expulsion of the Venetians.
They removed all the references
to the Christianity and they built
two minarets.

25. Relations with the European Union
The Republic of Cyprus joined the European Union on 1 May 2004.
From the legal point of view, the territory of Northern Cyprus should
be considered as part of EU.
The inhabitants of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus TRNC
(but not the Turkish settlers) are considered by the government of
Cyprus as citizens in every aspect. They can require identity cards
and passports and, as such, they can be considered as European
citizens.

26. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Northern Cyprus, officially the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (in Turkish Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk
Cumhuriyeti, abbreviated KKTC), is a self-proclaimed republic which is not recognized by the
international community. This extends into areas controlled by the Turkish army.
The President from the foundation (1983) until 2005 was the historic leader Rauf Denktaş. He was
hostile to compromise with the government of the Republic of Cyprus (Greek Cypriot) to facilitate the
reunification of the island. Since 2003, a political movement that aims to reunify the island and to
entry into the European Union has growing consensus.
Its capital is North Nicosia (Lefkoşa in Turkish), the northern part of the city which is under the Turkish
military occupation. In fact, Nicosia is divided by the armistice demarcation line (the Green Line).

27. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
The TRNC is recognized only by Turkey. It is a member of the International Turkish Culture (TURKSOY),
observer to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Parliamentary Union of the OIC.
Some legal experts have called the TRNC as an example of a “puppet state” on the basis of a ruling by
the European Court of Human Rights of 18 December 1996 which recognized the responsibility of
Turkey in the current business in the northern Cyprus.
The TRNC adopted as currency the Turkish lira. On 8 August 2003, the TRNC and Turkey signed a
customs union agreement.

28. Sport
The Northern Cyprus national football team is
affiliated to the New Federations Board, which is
made up of teams that represent nations,
dependencies, unrecognized states, minorities,
stateless peoples, regions and micronations not
affiliated to FIFA (Fédération Internationale de
Football Association).
The federation is called CTFF in English, and KTTF
in Turkish. Their best win was in the Turkish-
Cypriot territory against Tibet (10-0), while their
worst defeat was in Izmir in Turkey during the
Muslim games (5-0).